Pat McAfee, renowned for his outspoken sports commentary, has shown his ignorance of international basketball, expressing disbelief over Team USA’s defeat to Lithuania in the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
During a recent episode of The Pat McAfee Show, Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton discussed Team USA’s performance in the World Cup, where they faced unexpected losses.
NBA insider Brian Windhorst joined the conversation, highlighting Team USA’s defeats against Lithuania, Germany, and Canada.
McAfee, showing his surprise, exclaimed, “Germans beat us in basketball?” When learning about the loss to Canada, he said “This is embarrassing. Are we okay going into the Olympics? We’re losing to Canada in sports. I didn’t know that’s even possible.”
His reaction intensified upon learning about the loss to Lithuania. “We’re losing to Lithuania?! I don’t even know where that is on the map. I couldn’t even tell you where it is,” McAfee shouted. “We can’t be losing to Lithuania in basketball.”
Despite Haliburton’s attempt to explain the quality of international basketball, McAfee remained incredulous.
Lithuania secured a notable victory over Team USA with a score of 110-104 in the World Cup, leading by a as many as 21 points in the first half despite having only one NBA player, Jonas Valanciunas, on their roster.
Team USA faced further setbacks in the tournament, including a close semifinal loss to eventual champions Germany (111-113) and a defeat against Canada in the bronze medal game (118-127).
Following their disappointing performance, Team USA has regrouped with a star-studded lineup for the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics, scheduled to begin next month.
The roster includes iconic names such as LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, and Kawhi Leonard, among others, aiming to reclaim their dominance on the international stage.
Lithuania, a seasoned competitor in Olympic basketball, boasts a strong history, having won three consecutive bronze medals in 1992, 1996, and 2000 Olympics.
They have previously defeated the United States at the 2004 Sydney Olympics, showcasing their competitiveness against top teams.
If Lithuania secures victory in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Puerto Rico, they will join Group C alongside Team USA in the Paris Olympics, along with Serbia and South Sudan.
